Nektar Technology Impact GXP MIDI Controller Keyboards

Nektar Technology shared this preview to their Impact GXP MIDI controller series, a new line of controllers with dynamic semi-weighted keyboards, performance features and Nektar DAW integration for 11 major DAWs.

Here’s what they have to say about them:

“At the core is a newly designed and carefully balanced velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive action with 49, 61 or 88 keys that captures all aspects of your playing. Performance features like the real-time note repeat engine, large pitch & mod wheels as well as great connectivity (MIDI Out, 3 pedal connections: 2x footswitch, 1 expression) ensure that keyboard players have all the right options needed for live and studio work.

Direct Access and DAW control: The stream-lined panel with LED buttons provides direct access to key functions, the real-time note repeat engine and DAW integration with extended transport control, project navigation and more. The 14 assignable buttons are automatically assigned when using Nektar DAW integration, but can also be user-configured for control of any MIDI-controllable software.

When used with the included Nektarine software, plugins and patches can be loaded directly from GXP, including the ability to create multipatches from up to 16 virtual instruments with virtual masterkeyboard features like layers and splits.”

Features:

  • Impact GXP 49, 61 & 88
    • 49, 61 or 88-note full-sized keybed with velocity and aftertouch
    • 14 RGB LED buttons for MIDI, note repeat and Nektarine features
    • Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
    • 1 push encoder for note repeat tempo control and Nektarine features
    • Octave up/down buttons with LED indicators
    • Transpose up/down buttons with LED indicators. Assignable to other functions.
    • Power on/off switch
    • USB port and USB bus powered
    • 7 transport buttons for DAW integration or MIDI assignable
    • Shift button activates secondary level for a total of 14 accessible buttons
    • 1 MIDI assignable potentiometer
    • Note Repeat button with LED tempo indicator
    • Note Repeat Function button
    • 1/4“ TRS jack expression pedal socket (pedal not included)
    • 1/4” TRS jack Foot Switch socket for connection of up to 2 standard foot switches (not included, dual mode requires optional Y-cable adapter)
    • MIDI Output jack
    • Nektar DAW integration support*
    • Nektarine plugin control and patch librarian software support*
    • *Nektar DAW Integration for Impact GXP88 currently supports: Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar, Studio One
  • Nektaring Software
    • AAX, AU, VST or VST3 plugin version and stand-alone application for OSX & Windows
    • Load any VST, VST3 and AU instrument plugins
    • Up to 16 instrument slots
    • Create layers, splits & zones with direct selection of 10 instrument slots from GXP
    • Each instrument slot with volume, pan, mute/solo, FX sends 1-4 controls
    • 4 effect insert plugin slots per instrument (AU / VST / VST3 FX)
    • 4 send effect plugin slots (AU / VST / VST3 FX)
    • Store instrument & FX plugin patches + Nektarine Multi-Patches
    • Browser Settings are remembered per plugin slot
    • Patch-management with control from GXP
    • Full parameter feedback: button colours updated in real-time
    • Multi-Patch with settings save as ‘Default’ load as default – all browser settings can be saved with tags for slots tags.
  • Other software
    • Impact GXP MIDI controllers come with a license for Steinberg’s Cubase LE DAW, featuring 5 GB of sounds & loops, Halion Sonic SE and Groove Agent SE virtual instruments and 23 audio VST FX processors.
    • Also included is a full license for Steinberg’s Retrologue 2 virtual analog synthesizer for VST3, AU and AAX. This 3 oscillator synth brings back the sound of vintage classics with a modern twist and includes over 700 presets.

See the Nektar site for details.

16 thoughts on “Nektar Technology Impact GXP MIDI Controller Keyboards”

  1. Looks like a pretty nice feature set. I wish keyboard manufacturers would over-power these things in terms of scan rates and then brag about it. (Novation did that at one point).

    First, we need fast scan rates for accurate and full-resolution velocity. If they cut corners there, it’s noticeable in critical dynamics situations.

    Second, we need fast scan rates for all those modulators like wheels and expression pedals. I remember one very significant keybed manufacturer released a keyboard where you could hear the wheels zippering in all the demos. So glad I caught that before I bought it.

    As for the note repeat, that’s a cool idea. It would be great if you could set the note repeat rate and/or velocity to be controlled by aftertouch– and not necessarily clock synched. Or even to assign any MIDI source to control the rate/velocity within user-set ranges.

  2. So many keyboard on the market but the one I’m looking for…. nope, nada, nothing!
    Where is that 32 full sized keyboard that fits a small suitcase for travel (meaning not wider than 55cm)?
    I don’t get it. It’s a golden opportunity that no brand cares about so it seems.

      1. None of those are full-sized.

        I think either 36-keys F-to-E or 31-keys, F-to-B makes sense in terms of blocks of keys, and not having to machine a special shape just for the top note.

          1. Too many horror stories about the Lumi quality and ROLI as a company for me to throw 600,- at them.

            Found out that the Launchkey MK3 is 55.5cm. I ordered one and hopefully it will fit one of my bags or carry on suitcases. Fingers crossed!

    2. Let’s see… 22 white keys at 2.4cm wide is just under 53cm. Black keys come at no additional cost of space.
      Physically possible, but not much space for anything on either side. Are you looking for something with added controls? And what kind of action are you seeking?

      1. I’m not really looking for all the bells and whistles, minimalism is key here. Keybed has to be great quality. The weight is also important as the max for a suitcase is 10kg. (it adds up quickly when you start packing)
        The type of keyboard action I find less important, Full hammer action would of course make it more bulky and heavy so not great for travel and also not my first choice when playing synths. Can use other MIDI controllers for knobs, pads, faders etc if needed.

  3. The time has come for a nice poly after touch / MPE keyboard option. Maybe ASM will release one. I already own about 3 of what this is.

  5. dude, back in 99 the RM1x had a “real time note repeat engine” on for every track, and you could control it with knobs on the front panel

    granted, it was an awesome machine

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